Title

Author

Date of Award

2003

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.Sc.

Department

Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering

Keywords

Engineering, Automotive.

Rights

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Abstract

The intent of this research is to create a high fidelity multibody dynamics model of a compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) using CATIA, ADAMS and NASTRAN software suites. These software packages together are used to conduct virtual proving ground simulations. An MTS 329 series Road Test Simulator (RTS), which uses servo-hydraulic actuators to replicate vehicle proving ground is used to correlate results. The overall objective is to be able to predict component failure earlier in the design process, and to reduce the amount of time spent conducting physical durability tests. This thesis builds on research currently being conducted by many auto manufacturers in the area of virtual road test simulation. The development of a complete durability model is very complex, and involves many steps in simulating physical phenomena. This research focuses primarily on model creation techniques that are used to build a virtual multibody dynamics model, with an emphasis being placed on the construction, implementation and background theory of flexible bodies. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2003 .W66. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 44-01, page: 0428. Thesis (M.A.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2003.